Les Misérables

Movie analysis

Title: Les Misérables

Genre: Fiction/Musical

Characters: Jean Valjan, Javert, Fantine, Cosette, Marius Pontmercy, Eponine, Monsieur Thenardier, Madame Thenardier, Enjolras, Gavroche, Bishop Myriel

Settings: France The story begins in 1815 in Digne, as the peasant Jean Valjean, just released from 19 years' imprisonment in the galleys-5 for stealing bread for his starving sister and her family and fourteen more for numerous escape attempts—is turned away by innkeepers because his yellow passport marks him as a former convict. He sleeps on the street, angry and bitter. At night, Valjean runs off with Myriel's silverware. When the police capture Valjean, Myriel pretends that he has given the silverware to Valjean and presses him to take two silver candlesticks as well, as if he had forgotten to take them. The police accept his explanation and leave. Myriel tells Valjean that his life has been spared for God, that he should use the silver candlesticks to make an honest man of himself. Walking down the street, he sees a man named Fauchelevent pinned under the wheels of a cart. When no one volunteers to lift the cart, even for pay, he decides to rescue Fauchelevent himself. He crawls underneath the cart, manages to lift it, and frees him. The town's police inspector, Inspector Javert, who was an adjutant guard at the Bagne of Toulon during Valjean's incarceration, becomes suspicious of the mayor after witnessing this remarkable feat of strength. He has known only one other man, a convict named Jean Valjean, who could accomplish it. Years earlier in Paris, a grisette named Fantine was very much in love with Félix Tholomyès. His friends, Listolier, Fameuil, and Blachevelle were also paired with Fantine's friends Dahlia, Zéphine, and Favourite. Fantine must draw on her own resources to care for hers and Tholomyès's daughter, Cosette. When Fantine arrives at Montfermeil, she leaves Cosette in the care of the Thénardiers, a corrupt innkeeper and his selfish, cruel wife. She begs to be released so that she can provide for her daughter, but Javert sentences her to six months in prison. Valjean, feeling responsible because his factory turned her away, promises Fantine that he will bring Cosette to her. Fantine's body is thrown into a public grave. Dies in Peace.

Theme: Compassionate, Survival, Love and Conquer.

Symbolism: Silver wares – it tempted the man to do such a sin that lead his life to be miserable and struggles everyday when he continue his journey.

Questions:

1.      What does the title mean in relation to the film as a whole?

-          “  Les Misérables “ it’s because the whole story speaks about the regretions of a man that who could commit a sin and leads life to be miserable and lives in fear as a journey continues.

2.      Among the characters, to whom can you relate to?

-          Jean Valjean, because in my whole life I say that I also commit this kind of sin but that was a long ago. I regret that situation. I pray for that and I ask forgiveness for that sin that I have done during past time ago.

3.      Which part of the movie that stuck you most? Why?

-          When he was caught by the inspector, suddenly he was tried to be defended by the bishop on the inspector to save him for a sin. He was lucky because the bishop knows how to understand his situation although it was a sin.

4.      What is the movies message?

-          In times of struggles and downs, it’s always a big NO for committing a sin or making a mistake or doing a very wrong decisions. Just think always positive as to live freely and by times comes, God always be on our side. Although some people could not be happy for us let them be, we people can always prove ourselves to do good and be logistic.

5.      Did I like this in general?

-          Yes! I like this because it helps me realize that every actions takes its consequences that may lead us miserable in our life. I know how importance life are of every person.

6.      Did I agree with the main theme/purpose? Why or why not?

-          Yes! Because the story goes as the same the actor perform the novel. They was down by that time like “ kapit sa patalim “ nothing to do but to make mistake or sin that leads him to be miserable. But there will be always an answer in every problem we encounter in life.

7.      What specifically did I like or dislike? Why?

-          I like the most that he continued his journey towards the end. Never giving up for the sake of his family and for proving that he is brave enough to face different types of consequences may he be encountered and struggles that he could face through his journey in his life.

8.      Are there any aspects of the theme which are left ambiguous at the end? Why?

-          About Jean Valjean, after his yes permission that Cosette and Marius can get married, I don’t understand y he died? Even that it was not been told to the story nor movie? I just don’t get it much.

9.      How does the film relate to the things that are happening in your life?

-          When I just got broken, it was very painful, breathing affects much. That time I just don’t know what to do, I just share it with my family and friends. As time goes by, I just don’t mind that anymore it recovers from pain but there are times it would be remembered.